The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1887-12-22

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They are gone / have saved you r
Then again they looked ~ each other
aud the man suddenly clasped her hands
and pressed his lips, TO them.
Yoa are an angel l-an angel Of mercy
But how-how was it possible for you
TO save me! And how in the name oi
heaven came you here?'
She pointed out the spot where she
had been sitting, and showed him the
weapon which she had used with such
good effect And he could only utter
broken words of wonder and gratitude
"And your wallet" she said, look
they dropped it yonder among the mus
"Ah they did So Well mans life
is worth more than his possessions, and
yet / have risked mine many time fol
the contents of that wallet" -
He walked to the spot and brought il
back to where she stood.
See where the rascals cut the strap
and then he shuddered. "They mus,
have tracked me all the way from Sar
Bernardino. saw them lurking round
the inn there, where l stopped on my
way from the mines. Then at each
stopping place, saw and suspected them
Last night started out at midnight
thinking tv outwit them. Crossing the
San Assonic,~ found the water very
much deeper than I expected, got nearly
drowned myself, and spoiled my revolver
So I was helpless when l found the
wretches on my track again. about sir
miles east of this place. was weak, toe
weak for want of food, for had had
no chance to procure any today. But
for you'-he turned to her again and
faltered: "How can / ever thank you
Do you realize from Whist you have saved
me?"
"Do not speak OF it," she said, with an
think of. Come with me- Do you see
that roof yonder? That is my school
house. have some lunch there, which
l forgot to eat to-day. Let me give it to
you"
He followed her without a word, she
stepping lightly along the stony places,
then leading the way along the narrow
path through the mustard grove, he walk.
ing wsarily, but never moving his eyes
They entered the school house. What
had happened 10 it since Stella had left
1t? Some strange glamour had surely been
at work.
There was such a bcwitching sense of
hospil ality in offering her way worn
guest the one chair which the house
boasted in spreading napkin on one OF
the rough desks, and placing on it the
bread and fruit, which she had brought
with her in the morning, and even some
milk in bottle, which Sonora Benito had,
by good fortune, given her.
"Now eat-do eat." she said. "I will
leave you alone for little while to re-
cover"
But he entreated her to stay. He
wanted to ask her some questions. What
was the distance to Los Angeles
So she sat down on the nearest school
bench, and told him that it was too late
to reach the Puente station that night.
If he could spend the night in The school
house he was heartily welcome. The
people living near were all poor, and
their houses very small. The Benitos
where she boarded would give him break
fast.
How late it was The sun was nearly
down. The Benitos would be wondering
at her non-apPearance. She had been
talking to this stranger as she had never
talked to any one before. There was the
wonderous tie of saved life between
them.
"You have not asked my name," he
said, as she rose to go; "do you not care
to know the name of the man who is your
debtor for his life?"
How strange that should not have
thought ofasking YOU"
"My name is Archie Stanley. Yours,
l see, is Harley, but would like to know
the n,me your brother calls you-if I
may?"
She looked up at him with the eyes
which quelled and softened her unruly
scholars.
"My pame is Stella"
"Stella he said softly. "Stella-a
star"
In the morning Archie Stanley did not
appear at breakfast time at the Benito's
cottage. Stella was not surprised. She
felt that their farewell had been spoken,
when she left him standing at the school
house door looking after her.
In fact, after q few hour' rest, he had
walked 10 the moonlight TO Puente and
taken the train before daylight to Los
Angeles.
Not many months after that summer
day when the Indians were defrauded of
- white mans scalp and wallet of gold,
the contents of the wallet were converted
into one Of the most beautiful ranches in
the wide and smiling valley of San Ga
briel. Orange groves and vineyards,
gray green olives, broad leaved figs were
there, with mellow apricots and luscious
peaches A stretch Of rich alfalfa for the
meek eyed eows-a broad lawn of vel
vety blue grass, shaded by luxuriant
willows and pepper trees, and by group
Of eucalyptus tEees, sending their wonder
full growth up aud up into the glowing
skies. And in the shadiest spot fair,
white villa with broad piazzas up which,
with magical rapidity, climbing roses and
other exquisite creeping plants were al
ready spreading their delicate tracery.
Archie Stanley is the master Of this
beautiful home, and-you have already
rightly guessed .haiits~naistress is Stella.
And Tom, poor Tom, is here likewise,
il not to regain health, ct least to pass By
gentless stages, and shielded by tenderest
love, to tho end Of this life's journey
r. n. RroCne in Howe Chimes.
Donse
let that cold of yours run on. You ihiuk It is a